The Church Does What It Is

From The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit (pg. 128, pg 156):

• The nature of the church is defined by the mission of God in the world.
• The nature of the church is the result of the redemptive work of Christ.
• The nature of the church is holistic in relating this redemption to all of life.
• The church exists as a social community that is both spiritual and human.
• The church exists as a full demonstration of a new humanity.
• The attributes of the church’s nature determine the church’s ministry.
• The ministry of the church is a power encounter between God and the evil one.
• The ministry of the church is based on God’s disarming the powers through Christ.
• The ministry of the church is about unmasking the powers that have been disarmed.
• The church’s ministry is to bring God’s redemptive reign to all of life.
• The church’s ministry is to be governed by the Word as it is led and taught by the Spirit.
• The church’s ministry is to be grace-based and gift shaped.